Diplomatic Games Week: NiDCOM, US, Britain, French Embassies Stand Out

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

L-R(front): Martine Sobey from British High Commission, Ms. Sookjae Choi wife of the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Sòókò Deji Ajomale-McWord – organizer of The Diplomatic Games Week, H.E. Amb. Mersole Mellejor – Ambassador of Philippines to Nigeria, Michael D. Salazar from Philippines Embassy (back) Amb. Ben Okoyen – Chief of Protocol at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Florent Mangin from Embassy of France and Brian Neubert from US Embassy at the golf activity of The Diplomatic Games Week

The bustling capital city of Abuja recently transformed into a vibrant arena as the 2024 Diplomatic Games Week unfolded from November 4 to 10, marking a unique celebration of sport and camaraderie among the diplomatic community. Originally conceived as the Diplomacy Stableford Golf Tournament in 2019, the event has blossomed into a multifaceted sporting extravaganza, supported this year by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The week kicked off with a spirited tennis tournament at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, where diplomats showcased their athletic prowess on the courts. The mixed doubles crown was claimed by AVM Abiola Amodu and Adamu Salisu, leaving competitors Ikani Agabi and Sani Tijani in the runner-up position. The semifinalists, including notable players AVM Saliu Atawodi and Obinna Ofodum, added to the competitive spirit of the tournament.

As the tennis matches concluded, the chessboard became the next focus of attention, hosted at the elegant Fraser Suites. The tournament saw representations from various embassies, with Chidera Chukwu of the British High Commission ultimately emerging victorious after defeating Danielle from the Embassy of Ukraine in the finals. Chukwu’s impressive run included a semifinal win over Emmanuel Ogar from the Nigerian side, signaling a strong performance throughout the competition. In the third place match, Argentina’s Pedro Alurralde secured bronze against Ogar.

The soccer segment of the event featured an exciting knockout format with teams from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and the Embassy of Japan. NiDCOM took home the championship after a flawless performance, defeating both the MFA and Japan with an impressive tally of six points across the matches.

The grand finale of the week was the 6th edition of the Diplomacy Stableford Golf Tournament, where diplomats and local players competed for top honors on the lush greens. Florent Mangin of the Embassy of France dominated with an impressive 54 Stableford points to take the men’s category, while Martine Sobey from the British High Commission scored 47 points to lead the ladies. Both winners were rewarded with flight tickets and a weekend stay at luxury golf resorts, sponsored by Uganda Airlines and Lake Victoria Golf Resorts & Spa. 

The evening culminated in the awarding of the ‘Best Diplomat Score’ to Brian Neubert of the United States Embassy, a commendable recognition facilitating friendly rivalry among diplomats.

Ambassador Ben Okoyen, Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed the ministry’s enthusiasm in backing the event. “The Diplomatic Games Week is a significant opportunity for interaction and cooperation that can advance sports diplomacy between Nigeria and the nations represented here,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of fostering relationships within the diplomatic community, which ultimately contributes to sports development in Nigeria.

Sòókò Deji Ajomale-McWord, CEO of Diplomacy Publishing & Events, echoed this excitement, stating, “The acceptance of these games has been more than encouraging. My phone was still ringing with calls from various embassies even four days into the event. We anticipate even greater participation in the coming years.”

 

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